The aim is to get out — if you can!
The aim is to get out — if you can!
If you’re the type of person who likes to shake things up a little when they go out on the town, then escape rooms are for you. Also known as an escape game, puzzle room or exit game, it is a challenge like no other.
As little as two people or up to a full-blown team will need to discover clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks in one or more rooms to complete a specific objective, often with a limited amount of time. The main aim of the game — like the name suggests — is to find your way out!
These venues can come with a variance of rooms, styles, and difficulties. Once you start to become a bit of a professional at these kinds of places, then you begin to come across next-level puzzles and the smallest of clues that require an acute eye for detail.
Sounds like some hella good fun, right? Next time you’re doing a night out, a birthday, or require some team bonding, check out these three Gold Coast escape venues for a captivatingly fabulous time.
Escape Hunt
Offering four differing themed escape rooms, each and every game has a set timer of an hour, and therefore it is up to you to solve the puzzles and get yourself out in that time! If you’re feeling competitive, you can even set up duplicate rooms and compete against friends, family, and colleagues and see who can solve the clues the fastest. Whether it’s murder or mystery, either way, you’re in for a heart-raising 60 minutes.
Get 10% your visit here.
Where: 4/83 Scarborough Street, Southport
Padlock’d
The owner of Padlock’d, Sean Wilson, didn’t even know what an escape room was until three years ago, but he was unequivocally hooked after his visit. Spending the next few months visiting numerous escape room venues and brainstorming how he might make his own bigger and better — he finally brought it all to fruition. The Surfers Paradise venue has a whopping seven different games for you to choose from, some scary and some just plain brain taxing. Hot tip: rock up a little earlier and let the small puzzles in their foyer get your upstairs muscles firing on all cylinders. Want to give it a go?
Get 10% off your visit here!
Where: 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Strike Bowling Bar – Escape Rooms
Being an all-round mecca of good fun and entertainment, Strike Bowling Bar Surfers Paradise not only has nine-pin bowling, karaoke, a Holey Moley and top food and drinks — they also have two unique yet perplexing escape rooms you ought to give a try. Between two and six players can work together to solve their way out of an alien invasion or an old abandoned mansion you just so happen to have taken refuge in. Mix this experience with everything else on offer here, and you’ll be entertained for hours.
Where: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Looking for ways to keep the ankle biters entertained on the Gold Coast? Too easy!
Whether your little legends are bouncing off the walls (literally), exploring the great outdoors, or just looking for a bit of magic, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a rundown of kid-approved activities that’ll keep the young (and young at heart) entertained all day long. Plus, don’t forget to check out our discounts page, where you can score vouchers for a bunch of these fun-filled spots and save a few bucks while you’re at it!
Theme Parks
Let’s be real, the Coast’s theme parks are basically our crown jewels, and visitors can’t get enough of them. Movie World brings the magic with themed rides, roaming movie stars, and cartoon characters you’ll want a selfie with. Dreamworld? Big thrill energy with rides that’ll have you screaming your lungs out. Then there’s Sea World, where stunning sea creatures and jaw-dropping live shows steal the spotlight. Let’s not forget WhiteWater World – the ultimate water-filled oasis! Open seasonally, it’s a mix of chill and thrill, with something for everyone. Wet’n’Wild is all about epic waterslides and the massive wave pool that feels like summer in a nutshell.
For a side of Aussie charm, The Australian Outback Spectacular delivers with stunning special effects, a heartwarming outback tale, and some truly beautiful animals. And if you’re keen to be whisked into authentic Aussie farm life, head over to Paradise Country – Australia’s premier farm experience. It’s as hands-on as it gets, with interactive experiences like tasting traditional billy tea, learning to make damper, and soaking up the excitement of the Ram Parade and Sheep Shearing Display in a historic shearing shed.
Trampolines, adventure features, and airbags galore make BOUNCE an adrenaline playground where kids can perfect flips and unleash their inner acrobat.
A 30-minute sensory journey awaits at Infinity Attraction, with futuristic maze-like worlds full of illusions, mesmerizing soundscapes, and groovy vibes that are perfect for kids over eight and anyone seeking a touch of magic.
Packed with curiosity, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! offers 15 interactive galleries and over 300 fascinating artifacts, with the Impossible LaseRace adding an extra thrill as visitors shimmy through a maze of laser beams like spies.
History, fantasy, and a touch of fright combine at The Wax Museum, where wax celebrities, the eerie Chamber of Horrors, and replicas of the Crown Jewels make for a memorable visit.
For larger-than-life optical illusions, ArtVo in Robina Town Centre provides endless photo opportunities, letting kids step into wild scenarios and themed zones where the art seems to come alive.
Indoor skydiving at iFLY Gold Coast lets you soar like a bird in a 365-degree glass tunnel, offering packages for first-timers and seasoned flyers looking for an unforgettable rush.
Hair in need of a little extra sparkle? H&H Hair Braiding (at Pacific Fair and Surfers Paradise) and Surfers Paradise Hairwraps are the dream team for colorful wraps and braids – an absolute hit with little girls who want to channel their inner princess or mermaid vibes!
Animal Encounters
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Gold Coast has animal experiences that’ll make your heart melt.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling 27-hectare haven where kids can feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, and catch incredible shows like the Wild Skies Free Flight Bird Show. Don’t miss the Lost Valley for encounters with exotic animals.
David Fleay’s Wildlife Park is a quieter gem in Burleigh Heads, offering intimate encounters with Queensland’s unique flora and fauna. Spot the platypus, meet nocturnal creatures, and chat with passionate rangers.
Arcade Adventures
The arcade offerings on the Coast are next-level, with Broadbeach’s Level Up Arcade offering a mix of classic games and virtual reality arenas, plus a prize redemption system that’s sure to win over the kids.
Bumper cars, laser tag, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and over 250 arcade games make Timezone in Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta a sensory overload of fun in the very best way.
High ropes, Clip ‘n Climb courses and an arcade combine at iPlay Adventure, delivering a mix of challenges and pure fun that has something for everyone to enjoy.
Escape Rooms + VR
Escape rooms and virtual reality adventures are the perfect mix of brain-teasing fun and high-stakes excitement. It’s like a race against time — and let’s be real, no one is ever quite as good at solving puzzles when there’s a countdown looming! But hey, whether you’re celebrating a victorious escape or drowning your sorrows in a glass of wine, it’s definitely a win for family fun. Who knew unlocking mysteries could come with so much drama?
Eclipse Escape Rooms, Escape Hunt, Padlock’d and Fox in a Box all offer themed challenges that’ll have your family working together to solve mysteries and escape in time.
Meanwhile, Sandbox VR and Other World HQ are redefining virtual reality experiences with cutting-edge tech and immersive fun. Sandbox VR takes things up a notch with a haptic vest, motion sensors, and VIVE Focus 3 headsets, putting you in the heart of the action like never before.It’s a thrilling, real-time group adventure that goes beyond what home VR systems can offer. At Otherworld HQ, prepare to step into realms of exciting, unconventional games. Featuring the Saboteurs Arena, you’ll need strategy and skill to outwit your friends and enemies in this high-stakes adventure.
Prepare to get wet
Cool off with these water-based adventures that’ll have the whole family splashing with joy.
Located in Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast Aqua Park is an inflatable paradise packed with slides and obstacles.
For those looking to catch a wave, Hang Ten Surf Co provides surf coaching with friendly instructors who are passionate about helping the whole family ride the waves like pros.
If you’re after a unique adventure, Aquaduck offers a fun blend of city and river cruising on the Gold Coast’s amphibious icon. Kids even get the chance to take the wheel and feel like the captain!
For an adrenaline rush, Paradise Jet Boating and GC Jetboating and Parasailing both deliver thrilling spins and slides through the Broadwater.
Smack some golf balls
If your little ones love a good game of golf, the Gold Coast has no shortage of fun places to swing a club. Putt Putt Mermaid Beach is an iconic local spot with three awesome 18-hole courses, each offering its own unique challenge. Plus, they have neon glow balls to light up your night-time putting!
TopGolf is a year-round winner, with indoor bays and plenty of food options to keep your energy up while you perfect your swing.
Day Trip Fun
If you’re looking to explore a little further afield there are plenty of fun activities for the kids that are only a short drive away.
Dig It Mini Excavator Park at Thunderbird Park lets kids graduate from sandcastles to operating real excavators. With construction-inspired activities and safety-first operators, it’s the ultimate hands-on experience.
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk offers breathtaking views and a chance to stroll among the treetops. It’s an easy walk suitable for families, with photo ops aplenty.
Over at Mountview Alpacas, kids can hand-feed these fluffy friends while parents kick back with a coffee or wine in hand. It’s a win-win situation.
Words by Belinda Symons
